FOR SALE: Suzuki RF400R

[nudemetalz]

1994 model.
The wifes bike, she's moved up to my Moto Guzzi !!!
So the RF has to go.

Approx 30K kms on the clock, seems to be accurate. The engine is very quiet and runs extremely well for a 400. This is the VVC model.Just had the carbs full rebuilt by Wellington Motorcycles. Handles nicely too.

Looking at $3000.00 ono.

[bistard]

So what are you riding now????

[James Deuce]

Mate! Veeery tempting.

See you at lunchtime.

[nudemetalz]

So what are you riding now????

Errr,...nothing... :(

[bistard]

Errr,...nothing... :(

Hey,we must catch up & have that coffee & have that chat we were talking about,I owe Jim2 a coffee,should arrange it,let me know !!

[nudemetalz]

Yeah for sure, :) I know Jim would be keen.
I'm seeing him today, I'll get back to ya.

[bistard]

Sweet !!
Jim,knows how to get hold of me

[kneescraper]

Hey mate, interested in the bike. Whats the seat height and size of the bike like? Larger than say a CBR400rr? Also can you post up some larger pictures or send them in my email?

[nudemetalz]

I can do that, let me take some piccies when I get home from work.

It's basically an RF600 with a 400 Bandit engine, consequently being quite large (side by side with the Guzzi they're the same size !!) for a 400.
I would say it would be bigger than a CBR400RR, but lower as IRRC they're quite high at the back.

The seat height is low (I'll measure it).
I'm 5'10.5" and sitting on it I have bent legs.

[nudemetalz]

Alrighties,...

The seat height is 79cm or 31".

Here's some more pix. I've included one with the Guzzi to give an indication of the size of it.

[kneescraper]

Great, thanks for that. Me being 6ft4 or something of that height, needs to have a comfy bike. I will read up on the RF400, it could be ok for my size..

[nudemetalz]

It's got a lot more upright riding position than a CBR or VFR400, it's actually very comfortable. The suspension is softer than out and out sports bikes, because it's not so narrowly focused but still handles well.
The fairing works well too.
Umm,...what else,...it's got the variable valve-timing engine and if this gives it more mid-range then I'd hate to ride one without, cause it's a typical 400cc inline 4,...makes best power between 10,000 and 13,500rpm !!
The engine is very quiet, even out the huge muffler, so there could be some extra hp's lurking with a power pipe there.

I had some issues with the carburettion recently with it. I got the carbs rebuilt, basically they stripped, cleaned and replaced all of the o-rings and seals, then set them to factory specs. Once that was done and I changed the fuel to 91 octane, it runs really sweet.

The reason it has to go is that Mrs NM is getting fonder and fonder of riding the Guzzi and of course, I'm not able to ride so that is the one we're keeping. If I was all okay, then we wouldn't be selling it.

Enough ramble.

NDMz :)

[kneescraper]

Cool as mate,
Done some research...is has a lower seat hight than CBR600 F2 (other bike Im looking into buying)...has 53 hp at 11,000rpm and 38Nm at 9500rpm. Still very interested. I will have a ponder....the price is good so thats caught my eye.

Can I ask, why cant you ride?

[nudemetalz]

Can I ask, why cant you ride?

You certainly can.
Have a read of this...

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=46390

[kneescraper]

Gezz man, so sorry to hear that mate.

I will keep you up to date on what im doing. If anything else jumps into ya head about the bike dont be shy!

[Mully]

G'day,

That bike sure is purty. Not lipstick on a pig purty, but not bad.

Sorry to hear about the layoff from riding. Hopefully, it's only temporary and you'll be able to have matching bikes (since I don't think you'll get the Guzzi back from the missus).

Cheers,
Marcus

[rwh]

Hmm, definitely worth a look. Will have to see if you've still got it when I've got my full (only a week or two I hope, but I haven't got anything to sit it on at the moment ... and I'm a bit out of practice)

Richard

[nudemetalz]

I'm surprised at the response I've had for this wee beasty !!
Even a few people at my work are keen.

Maybe it's too cheap... ;)

[kneescraper]

Hahahahha they are good bikes. A few bike review sites rate them 9.5 out of 10.

Im very interested...its just the transportation of it that concerns me.

[nudemetalz]

Bike Tranz would do it for about $150-200.

I bought a ZX-10 on TM a while ago from Tauranga and got them to transport it back for $200.

[kneescraper]

Cool cool, I will see when Grub PM's me back with the info on his CBR600..he wants more for it than you want for your RF. However he would drop it off in Napier.

Either way I will contact ya. BTW, how long have you owned it for and how many KMS has it done under your ownership.

[nudemetalz]

I bought it for Bridgy the week before Christmas last year, so that makes it about little over 3 months ownership. Done approx 1500-2000kms.
Not much ay !!

When I bought it, the choke wasn't working and it rode a little jerkily.
(Test rides are difficult when buying a bike in the South Island in TardMe ! )
So I bought and replaced the choke cable, and it got new chain and sprockets. Problems solved !!

[kneescraper]

Nice one, its so dam tempting...I really like it, Im just worred it wont fit me.

[nudemetalz]

There anyone up your way who has an RF400/600 you could sit on to try out for size?
It would be very comparable to a CBR600 for size.

[kneescraper]

Nope, none in the shops either. I have sat on a CBR600 and that is/was what I am after (still open to other bikes), the CBR600 fits me ok..I fit the Fireblades better but have no need for that power.

[nudemetalz]

CBR600's are excellent bikes and those (like SV650's) tend to go for a premium because of this.

I know this, because 3 months ago I was looking for either of those bikes before the RF came along.

[kneescraper]

Much the same as my situation.

Could you tell me more about the body work and overall condition of the bike. Any scratchs or dents or cracks...motor clean, inside and out?

[nudemetalz]

Umm,...it's not immaculate (the price reflects this I think), none of the plastic is cracked, the cscreen is good, a few chips here and there in the tank and frame, but it is 13 years old.
The muffler has a wee graze on the bevel part of it.
The engine grey is good.

Overall you could say it is in good condition.

I'm going to go over it totally this weekend (if it's not sold by then) and touch it up, etc.

(My very first job back in 1987 was as a motorcycle detailer for a shop in Auckland.)

[kneescraper]

Sweet as mate. Just checked the specs
Honda CBR600 seat height - 810mm
Suzuki RF400 seat height - 775mm

Bit of a difference however you beast is priced to sell, I will think over it and get back to you. Best of luck with the sale..... :)

[nudemetalz]

No worries, we're not in a hurry to sell.

[kneescraper]

Sorry about the late questions....

Would it come with new WOF and REGO?
What are the tyres like?
What are the chain and sprokets like?

I just wanna get a feel for the overall condition....if I wanted to take it on a 1000km ride tomorrow would it make it? Also what is it like on fuel. Would you be happy to be around when the bike transporters pick it up?

[nudemetalz]

As I said earlier, I put a new O'ring chain on and new sprockets when we bought it. It gets regularily oil with high-quality chain-lubes.

Tyres are in good conidtion, that's why I included pix of them.
Is rego'd and WOF's until 5th month.

Be absolutely fine on the open road, isn't really economical around town, prefers to be revving on the motorway, gets 14km/l average.

I or Bridgy would definitely help with transport arrangements.

[nudemetalz]

Would it help here if I recorded and “Youtubed” the engine running?

I know this is normally an unknown when looking at just pics of a bike for sale (esp on Tardme).

[James Deuce]

Quite frankly mate, I'd trust you.

This bloke is the last person in the universe to ever try to rip someone off. If you subsequently kill this bike through not looking after it properly, he's the sort of bloke to try and find a solution for you.

KB isn't Trademe, but I dare say this would be one of the better 400's, certainly one of the most honestly described ones, if NM was to list it on TM.

[nudemetalz]

Thanks Jim,

I told Kneescraper that it may be too small for him after looking at it again last night, just in the footpeg to seat height etc.

But she's there, and she's an honest machine. It's all rego'd and WOF'd with good tyres. I really can't say much more about it that I already haven't said.

[kneescraper]

Come on some one, buy the beast. I would if god hadn't blessed me with my 3 long legs.

[nudemetalz]

3 long legs ??? :gob:

ha ha ha,.....dunno if it would have the power to cope with all that extra weight of the "third" leg.....

[-df-]

hmmm, if you were in Auck I'd come have a look at that. Bit smaller then I want but would allow me to ride on the weekends and give me some time to save cash before purchasing a litre bike instead of borrowing it all.

Why are all the good bikes at a good price out side of Auckland!!!!

[kneescraper]

Because aucklanders kill their bikes....I didnt say that!

[kneescraper]

PM sent nudemetalz...

[nudemetalz]

Looking like she's going from our clutches :yes:

[James Deuce]

What's that you say? The Guzzi's clutch has gone?

That's good news. Not the Guzzi's clutch I mean, the RF's sale.

[nudemetalz]

What's that you say? The Guzzi's clutch has gone?

That's good news. Not the Guzzi's clutch I mean, the RF's sale.


Nah, I hope Bridgy doesn't fry the Guzzi's clutch, I'd hate to think how much those dry things are worth... :gob:

Yes, we did some more talking and came to some amicable arrangements. I believe it is going to a good home :)

Now down to a one-bike family...:(

[kneescraper]

I believe it is going to a good home

It sure has, now I have to get my leathers out, dust them and TRY to find into them. TRY being the oprative work here.

[nudemetalz]

As long as they have blue in them, 'cause you want to be at least semi-stylie here.

[kneescraper]

Hahahaha mate...everything about me is style. The bike is now worth $10,000 now that I will be owning it.

[Deviant Esq]

And you'll have to change your profile so it doesn't say Bike: Looking........... any more. Unless you're still looking? ;)

Fine purchase there mate, off a really trustworthy owner. I bought an ex nudemetalz machine, and pretty much had to pry it out of his hands as he kept doing extra jobs on it so I didn't have to!

Chris: Was really sorry to hear about your epilepsy worsening to the point where you are now not able to ride. I wondered today why I've been fucked off the last couple of days, and I realised it was since I learned about your being forced off the bike. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy, I'm totally gutted for you.

[nudemetalz]

Thanks for those very kind words, Redge.

I really enjoyed having the NZ250S when it was in my possession, not a lot of power but great handling and 30km/l economy.

I'm going to give the RF400 a big once over this weekend, and Bridgy is going to take it for a good spin to make sure everything is up to speed.

[kneescraper]

Good as, I have money buring a hole in my pocket LOL. Im so glad Ive brought a bike from some one that treats them with respect..not off some guy thats thrashed it before.

I will pay once ya mrs has taken it for a ride....not that I dont trust her mate. I hope she doesnt drop it :)....j/king

Cheers for a easy sale. Are you chucking all of your riding gear in as a nice gift?

[nudemetalz]

No she shouldn't crash it,...well I hope not.. :gob:
ha ha ha..!!

Funny thing is, is that my gear is blue and black, leftover from when I bought a blue ZX-10. Goes really well with a burgundy Guzzi !!!!:shit:
Still, it's good gear, so I'll hang onto it. Wait for Guzzi to put out a blue V-Twin !! :yes:

The RF got new synthetic oil and filter when we bought it, and we haven't done that many kms. Doesn't seem to use oil either.

You'll love riding it. I used to go for a burn on it occassionally when I was in a "have fun" and wanted to pull more revs than the 7800rpm of the Guzzi :Punk:

[kneescraper]

Awesome, I look forward to crusing up the cost and back through the gorge many times on the beast. It will prob see many KMs in my ownership...if it doesnt fail :)

[rf rider]

I'm surprised at the response I've had for this wee beasty !!
Even a few people at my work are keen.

Maybe it's too cheap... ;)


hi just wondering if you could do me a huge favour?
i need 2 know some measurments 4 the suzuki rf400's screen
i am finding it hard 2 track down a screen so wanted 2 know if a 4oo screen will fit on my rf600 so any rough numbers u can give me would be great ie length height anything that could help me compare
cheers tim

[nudemetalz]

Sorry, it's been about two and half years since I've had my RF400......

[Madness]

hi just wondering if you could do me a huge favour?
i need 2 know some measurments 4 the suzuki rf400's screen
i am finding it hard 2 track down a screen so wanted 2 know if a 4oo screen will fit on my rf600 so any rough numbers u can give me would be great ie length height anything that could help me compare
cheers tim

Click here (http://www.godiva.co.nz/models.php?mk=12&srt=model&pg=4) for quality New Zealand made fairing blades, they list the RF400/600.

You're welcome. :msn-wink: